What's The Difference Between A Freight Broker And A Freight Forwarder?

Q: What's the difference between a freight broker and a freight forwarder?

A: Freight brokers connect shippers and carriers and oversee the movement of freight. Brokers must register with the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for brokerage authority. However, brokers don't take possession of the freight. Freight brokers primarily handle shipments with U.S.-based origination and destination points. While a freight broker can handle international movements, those movements are usually in one specific area.

Freight forwarders arrange the shipping of freight for their customers, and then go a step further. In addition to moving goods, freight forwarders may store products for their customers. More importantly, freight forwarders have operating authority with the FMCSA in interstate or foreign commerce. That means they handle international shipments that move from country to country or across multiple countries.

Our team got their start in Freight Forwarding, so we know exactly what it takes to provide superior customer service to freight forwarders and NVOCCs - get in contact with us today!